How to welcome winter white into your home decor

This creamy neutral lends a modern, minimalist feel while introducing just the right amount of warmth.

Tribune News Service
November 23, 2018 at 9:56PM

White has long been viewed as a formal color, reserved for seldom-used living rooms. But winter white has become the go-to color for those looking for a light minimalist look, especially in winter.

Unlike stark white, winter white has cream and taupe tones, which make it warmer, more welcoming and an ideal foundation color for a modern neutral palette.

Want to incorporate the beauty of winter white into your home? Take a read of these dos and don'ts.

DO:

1. Blend different shades and tones of winter white in a single space.

2. Consider neutral or mostly white artwork. Neutral artwork helps to make a white-on-white statement.

3. Pair winter white with other soothing colors such as soft gray or deeper shades of taupe.

4. Consider metallics to complement white decor.

5. Look for ways to bring this soothing color into your space temporarily, by adding winter white toss pillows, throws or accessories.

DON'T:

1. Pair shades of bright white side by side. The less bright shades may look dirty when placed next to a brighter white.

2. Place bright white furnishings in high-traffic areas. They're susceptible to frequent staining. A more wintry white or taupe would be wiser.

3. Rule out white. If you don't like it as a primary color for furniture and walls, incorporate it as an accent color.

4. Be afraid of creating a strong visual statement by using contrast. Black is a perfect contrast for winter white.

5. Ignore lighting. White works best in a clean, well-lighted space.

Soft gray mixed with a cream chair creates a balance of soothing, soft colors in this den area.
Soft gray mixed with a cream chair creates a balance of soothing, soft colors in this den area. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Various shades of white including a winter white sofa and area rug help create a crisp and clean look.
Various shades of white including a winter white sofa and area rug help create a crisp and clean look. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Soft colors including various shades of white and cream help make this master bedroom soothing and inviting.
Soft colors including various shades of white and cream help make this master bedroom soothing and inviting. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Metallic and bronze accents serve as the perfect complement when paired with white.
Metallic and bronze accents serve as the perfect complement when paired with white. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Soft gray as well as black toss pillows complement a winter white sofa.
Soft gray as well as black toss pillows complement a winter white sofa. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
This winter white/taupe sofa helps anchor this den.
Clockwise from top left: Metallic and bronze accents serve as the perfect complement when paired with white. Pairing black with winter white serves as the perfect contrast. This winter white/taupe sofa helps anchor this den. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
The color black, along with hints of gold, provides a bit of glam when paired with white.
The color black, along with hints of gold, provides a bit of glam when paired with white. (Design Recipes) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Pairing black with winter white serves as the perfect contrast.
Pairing black with winter white serves as the perfect contrast. (Design Recipes) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
They're dreaming of a winter white Christmas.
Classic white Christmas interior with New Year tree decorated. Fireplace with gray chair, clocks on the wall and presents under the tree (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Cathy Hobbs

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